The Wildest Dream

The Wildest Dream is a captivating and poignant 2010 documentary film that vividly narrates the story of two mountaineers, each set apart by vast generations but united by their common dreams and passion. Directed by the talented Anthony Geffen, the movie stars Conrad Anker, Susan Robertson, and Robert Macfarlane.

The narrative rotates around Conrad Anker, a celebrated world-class mountaineer who's deformation and fascination for the Himalayas gets him caught up in two interconnected stories. One part of the tale serves as a biography of England's famous mountaineer George Mallory who tragically lost his life in 1924; while attempting to conquer the majestic yet ruthlessly unforgiving peak of Mount Everest.

In The Wildest Dream, Anker finds himself retracing the steps of his heroic predecessor, delving deep into history to unlock the mystery surrounding Mallory’s apparent disappearance. Flashbacks of Mallory’s love letters to his wife Ruth, read by Susan Robertson, serve as dramatic interludes, revealing a more intimate side of the brave yet embattled climber.

Mallory's passion was not just limited to surmounting the world's highest peak; he also had a deep and abiding love for his wife, Ruth. The film showcases several of Mallory's letters to Ruth, providing a compelling narrative backbone that humanizes the climber rather than reducing him to an historic figure. It is in these moments when Susan Robertson lends her voice that one feels the depth of Mallory's affection for his wife and his ultimate struggle between love and ambition.

Conrad Anker, on the other hand, is on a personal mission. Decades later in 1999, Anker made a shocking discovery - George Mallory’s frozen body on the foreboding slopes of Everest. Gripped by this historical find and spurred on by Mallory’s spirit, Anker embarks on a quest to finish off the unfulfilled dream of his tragic predecessor by ascending the peak using the same early 1920s gear.

The Wildest Dream effectively knits together two stories into one, expertly blending archival footage, dramatic re-enactments, stunning cinematography of the Everest climb, and insightful interviews. The narrative goes beyond the climax of reaching the mountaintop, shedding light on the profound personal pursuits and emotional undertows of the two central characters.

A key voice throughout the film is Robert Macfarlane, a shrewd scholar, mountaineer, and author, who in 2003 wrote a riveting exploration of Mallory's life, providing a comprehensive study into the fateful 1924 expedition. Macfarlane’s insights add depth and intellectual flavor to the narrative through eloquent recollections of Mallory's motivations, ambitions, and his ultimate demise.

The cinematography is another strong feature of The Wildest Dream which manages to communicate not only the raw, fierce beauty of the mountain itself but also the sheer force of will and determination it takes to launch an assault on its peaks. Coupled with this, the film underscores the significant connection between these men and the mountain, that inexplicable pull that Everest has on all those who dare to conquer its icy walls.

The Wildest Dream is therefore a comprehensive biography, a historical exploration, a love story, and a testament to human courage altogether. It’s about the human experience against a backdrop of icy vastness, the allure of ambition, profound love, and the relentless pursuit of dreams that refuse to fade away.

This visually arresting film plays out with an undertone of unmistakable awe at the risk-taking spirit and endurance of these two men bound by a common passion. It captivates the viewers with an immersive experience and leaves them pondering nature’s indomitable beauty, the scope of human courage, and the strength of surreal dreams. A must-watch for adventure enthusiasts and those intrigued by human spirit and history.